Chair of the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee (board trustee)

We are looking for a new American Trustee who will chair the Finance Audit and Risk Committee and provide leadership to the Committee ensuring that committee members fulfil their duties for the effective financial governance of the organisation with systems in place to ensure sound financial accountability. 

Principal responsibilities

• Review, and challenge where necessary, the annual financial statements before their submission to the board for approval and determine whether they are complete and consistent with the information known to the Committee members.
• Review the draft annual budget with the Director of Finance and Committee members and make recommendations prior to the budget’s presentation to the board for approval.
• Review the management accounts and financial performance every four months against the annual budget at Committee level and make recommendations to the board.
• Ensure that the Committee regularly reviews major risks and has systems in place to manage and mitigate those risks through a regularly updated risk register.
• Lead the performance review of the investment manager and in the event that it is felt necessary to appoint a new investment manager, manage the process and make a recommendation to the board.
• Make recommendations to the board in relation to the appointment, re-appointment and removal of the external auditors.
• Obtain and review regular updates from management regarding compliance matters, including tax compliance, anti-bribery compliance, litigation, disputes and claims.
• Have oversight of safeguarding and cyber security for the Commission and review recommendations put forward by the executive team.
• Have oversight of the Commission’s environmental sustainability strategy and hold the executive accountable for the goals set.
• Meet and confer with the Chair of the Board and other committee Chairs to review and agree the annual pay review proposal put forward by the executive team
• Perform other financial governance functions as requested by the full board.

The Trustees meet in the UK (either in person or virtually) for a board meeting three times a year, with the Finance Audit and Risk Committee meeting three times in between. The position is unremunerated, non-executive and for a three-year term.  Candidates must be US citizens but with strong connections to the UK.

The full job description can be found at our website here.

Essential

Extensive and sound expertise in finance and fund management

Proven leadership experience and/or innovation in their field

Able to demonstrate passion and enthusiasm for the Commission’s mission, vision and values.

Able to demonstrate a knowledge of and interest in the quality of education in both the US and UK.

Are committed to widening participation and fair access for traditionally underrepresented groups in higher education.

Possess the highest standards of personal integrity and support a culture of respect, dialogue and debate and intercultural sensitivity.

Proven ability to provide strategic direction and knowledge of organisational change management.

Ability to add value in achieving the Commission’s fundraising goals.

Desirable

Have governance experience, such as executive and/or non-executive experience in either the for-profit or not-for-profit sectors.

Experience of working in the not-for profit or public sector. 

The US-UK Fulbright Commission actively seeks diversity among its team. We seek to attract, develop, retain and promote a talented diverse workforce in a culture where all employees will contribute to their fullest potential. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds but particularly encourage people of color, people of all gender identities and gender expressions, and people with disabilities to apply.

Please send your full CV and covering letter to recruitment@fulbright.org.uk outlining how you meet the essential skills, experience and personal attributes for this role by Monday February 6 at 9am GMT. Further details can be found on our website here.